Twenty Sri Lankan Tamil refugees lodged at a camp attached to the Trichy Central Prison made a mass suicide attempt on Tuesday, consuming sleeping pills inside the camp. All 20 inmates were taken to hospital immediately. Their condition is stable now.

Prison officials said about 26 Lankan Tamils, who are facing trial under various charges including illegal entry and petty crimes, were on a hungerstrike for three days seeking speedy trial which is delayed by several months and years.